Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 Issue No. 5

Y OP E C FRE Kosovo Stunned by Alleged BUSINESS Retailers Manipulate Oil German Role in Blast Prices Claims that German intelligence officers took part in the bombing of an EU building in Prishtina have surprised Kosovars, while the attackers’ motives remain unclear.

By Krenar Gashi and the BIRN team in Prishtina page 5 he furore over three German citizens arrested CITY Tin Kosovo in connection with a bomb blast is likely to be Inside the National discussed by the control commis- Theatre sion of the German parliament. Kosovo police sources have told Prishtina Insight there are sus- tained suspicions the men are intelligence agents, though Berlin has sought to dismiss this. The three, believed by Kosovo police and international media to be members of the BND, the German Federal Intelligence page 6 Service, were arrested last week on suspicion of having taken part in a bomb attack on the EU GUIDE Special Representative’s Office in Prishtina on November 14. Balm for the Soul in Andreas Jackel, Robert Zoller Rugova and Andreas Brunken are likely

to face terrorism charges, accord- Fonet by photo ing to the Kosovo public prosecu- The three alleged German intelligence agents who are suspected of bombing the ICO tor’s office. The motives, accord- ing to sources at the office, were claims surrounding the incident. UN six-point plan for the deploy- Prishtina Insight that the three to create fear among the popula- Some German media have sug- ment in Kosovo of the EU’s law- men were working for the BND. tion, interrupt the mission of the gested the attack was the work of and-order mission, EULEX. The BND, (an acronym for ICO and to cause overall destabi- anti-EU Kosovars, taking action Sources within the Kosovo Bundesnachrichtendienst) has lization. following Kosovo’s rejection of a Police told Prishtina Insight not confirmed or denied the information. German media Lawyers for the men, aged key plan – unpopular in Kosovo – they were convinced the attack page 8 between 41 and 47, were quoted in recently agreed between the EU, on the building of the EU Special have said BND officials told the German media as saying the Serbia and the UN. Representative in Kosovo was investigators the three had been trio were not involved in the Others in Germany have sug- the work of professionals. examining the scene of the FOOD & DRINK attack but had visited the scene gested the entire case might be an Only the building was dam- explosion but had not been Epic Portions at “out of curiosity,” four hours attempt to silence the BND, which aged and no one was injured involved. after the blast, to take photo- was allegedly looking into links which, according to police According to Kosovo police, all Princess Gresa graphs. between organized crime and the sources, was probably the attack- three of the men they arrested One government source in Kosovo authorities. Asked to ers’ intention. “This was a pro- were running a business in Prishtina told Prishtina Insight comment on the issue, many ana- fessional piece of work,” a police Kosovo, the Logistic that the German government lysts have described it as bizarre, source said, explaining that the Coordination Assessment tried to rescue its three citizens while the German embassy in material exploded a few minutes Service, LCAS, which was guid- after they were arrested but the Prishtina remains silent. after it was thrown in the front ing and advising German Kosovo authorities did not allow yard of the ICO. “It’s clear that investors in Kosovo. Asked this. Work of professionals whoever did it didn’t want to whether they had any kind of Germany was one of the first cause human casualties but just collaboration with this company, countries to recognize Kosovo’s The bomb was thrown at a to make a big noise,” the same the German Embassy in page 9 independence and is a major time when tensions in Kosovo source went on. Prishtina declined to answer. donor, which explains the shock were high, after the government Two independent sources NEIGHBOURHOOD felt in Kosovo and abroad over the of Hashim Thaci had rejected a within the Kosovo police told continued on page 4 Croatia Cancels Analysis: Business: Christmas Will the Financial Sale of PTK Crisis Affect Giving? Condemned as Untimely Private donors are hurting from the financial crisis, and while history sug- Decision to privatise telecommunica- gests they will continue to help their tions giant during global downturn has grantees, this is only if the crisis doesn’t drawn sharp criticism. last too long. page 11 page 5 page 12

is supported by: 2 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 highlights

EC Earmarks €106m for Kosovo in 2009 he European Commission JOIN OUR TEAM! announced that the financial assis- Ttance Kosovo will receive in 2009 is The BIRN Kosovo team is looking for proactive, motivated candidates with a 106.1 million. strong command of the English language to fill the following vacant positions: The European Commission Liaison Office announced that dialogue with 1. Sales agent 2. Contributors Kosovo’s Government concerning finan- cial assistance has commenced. JOB SUMMARY: JOB SUMMARY:

The objectives of the programme for FoNet by Photo The Sales Agent is responsible for the sale Writers need to produce 300 - 1000 word 2009 reflect the main priorities of the of newspaper advertising targeting the articles on topics of interest to the English- good governance, regional economic European Partnership, and the priorities English-speaking community of Kosovo. speaking community of Kosovo development and improving social-eco- contained in the framework concerning nomic conditions for all communities. Kosovo’s spending and the findings pre- ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Beneficiary institutions, the Agency for sented in the 2008 Progress Report. Development Coordination and European The Commission also announced that • Build advertisement sales, business • Use words and pictures to inspire and Integration, corresponding ministers and the European Commission Liaison office working directly with clients inform, open dialogues, and help people the ministry of finance were involved in • Promote Prishtina Insight as the top tackle everyday challenges will manage the financial assistance, developing the plan. The EU’s new law- news source in Kosovo • Address situations and opportunities while the main priorities that the assis- and-order mission, EULEX and the • Work with Prishtina Insight management that are unique to Kosovo tance will cover is improving administra- International Civilian Office will assist in to ensure that all ads running in the • Possess a positive voice and an interest tive capacities, enforcing the rule of law, implementing the plan. paper are appropriate/approved in Kosovo Greece ‘Accepts Kosovo Reality’ REQUIREMENTS: REQUIREMENTS: reek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis says Athens will soon • Extensive experience in sales • Must be willing to adhere to Prishtina Grecognise Kosovo’s independence • Excellent knowledge of English and Insight's guidelines, deadlines and quali- because it has to accept the reality of the Albanian languages ty standards. situation. Speaking to Albanian media, • Energetic, hard working, self starter • Experience in media is not mandatory Bakoyannis declared that Greece will soon • Must have excellent verbal communica- but is an advantage recognise Kosovo’s independence, tion and writing skills • Photography skills a plus although stop short of naming a date for • A willingness to travel locally • Ability to write in English

this decision. FoNet by Photo “I don’t know what will happen later. I that Greece has good relations with To apply, please send a CV and a motivation letter to [email protected]. can say that we don’t actually recognise Kosovo. “We have opened an office there, Kosovo, but we will soon,” she stated. and deal with affairs between people,” she Bakoyannis blamed the delayed recogni- said. Meanwhile, the Greek Foreign tion on regional conflicts and goals that ve Minister also highlighted excellent rela- inflicted the Balkans for many years but tions with Serbia. admitted that the truth cannot be changed. “With Serbia, we have had excellent “Kosovo’s problem is one of the oldest relations for a long time. We support their Advertise! problems of the Balkans. We do not recog- ambitions to join the European Union and nise its independence based on the princi- hope that during the last couple of years ple of territorial integrity, but on the other improvements have occurred there, which side we know that the flow of the river can- will allow them to become closer to the not change,” she said. Bakoyannis added EU,” she said. Do you need to reach out to our readers: EULEX ‘Should be Based on Influential decision makers, high-spending Ahtisaari Plan’ he blueprint for Kosovo’s super- householders and foreign visitors. vised independence devised by for- Tmer UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari is the starting point for EULEX’s deploy- ment, insists ex-NATO supreme com- mander, Wesley Clark. Speaking to Croatian media, Clark said all the plans should be mobilised to find a If our target readers are your potential clients, we can solution for the deployment of the

European Union’s new law-and-order FoNet by Photo help you reach them reliably and regularly, using the mission, EULEX, to Kosovo. Clark said he was against Kosovo’s par- “If there could be done something bet- tition along ethnic lines or other border language they speak. ter, something that would unite them, changes in the region, mentioning something that would be looked as having Kosovo’s north, the ethnic Albanian-dom- more international legitimacy, I assume inated Presevo Valley in southern Serbia we should ask for it,” said Clark. and Macedonia. Yet, according to Clark, continued The deployment of EULEX has run work is needed from the European Union into controversy because Serbia wants it and the United Nations, Serbia’s govern- to be deployed on its terms, and has nego- Call Prishtina Insight marketing at 038 24 33 58, or ment and Kosovo’s political authorities. tiated a six-point plan with the UN. email us at [email protected] to Kosovo Barred from Islamic Conference Talks reserve space in our next issue. gypt has prevented Kosovo from sent a verbal message to Egyptian author- taking part in the Organisation of ities concerning this issue explaining Ethe Islamic Conference’s second that the Organisation of the Islamic Ministerial Conference on Women Conference has no objections against the because of ‘political reasons.’ participation of a delegation of women An official from the Albanian Embassy from Kosovo as guests,” Hoxha explained. in Cairo, Ilir Hoxha, had earlier con- Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmed that the Organisation of the told Kosovar media that a delegation from Islamic Conference had allowed Kosovo’s Kosovo, lead by Deputy Foreign Minister participation in the meeting after receiv- Vlora Citaku, was supposed to travel to ing a request from the Albanian Embassy Cairo to participate in the conference. in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. However the trip has now been “After our Embassy in Riyadh inter- annulled. vened, the Organisation of the Islamic The Conference is to be held on Conference’s secretary located in Jeddah November 24 and 25. news • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 3

Fierce Opposition Editor’s Word to UN Plan Kujdes! BALKAN INSIGHT, PRISHTINA ready to work with all interest- osovo’s leaders have ed parties to ensure the swift issued a joint declara- deployment of EULEX. Ktion against the UN plan On the other hand, Serbia insists that the EU cannot for the deployment of the EU’s deploy a new civilian mission law-and-order mission, EULEX, in Kosovo to replace the UN By Krenar Gashi calling for further coordination administration unless the mis- with Prishtina. sion is neutral in status and “Our stance on the six-point does not put into action the plan t was really hard for me to find plan remains the same. We are of former UN envoy Martti an Albanian word for this edito- not to accept anything which Ahtisaari – which envisages Irial. I wanted it to be the word breaches the sovereignty of the internationally-supervised ‘car’ – but then I remembered there Republic of Kosovo,” states the independence for Kosovo. Albania BIRN by photo are so many synonyms for this word declaration prepared by However, Prishtina has pre- Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and Albania’s Sali Berisha Kosovo’s head of state, Fatmir sented its own rival four-point in the Albanian language that I Sejdiu and Prime Minister, plan which calls for the deploy- would probably just confuse the Hashim Thaci. ment of EULEX, according to Albania, readers. The word for car that you “This is a moment when the plan stated in Kosovo’s inde- will hear in Prishtina is usually quiet decisions are to be taken. pendence declaration, the ‘kerr.’ But it can also be veture, Any other response would only Kosovo Constitution, and the Montenegro Reject automobil, makine, or even drame. please those who want to pro- plan of former UN envoy Martti And whichever you use, you’re just voke Kosovo and see us behav- Ahtisaari, envisaging interna- fine. Of course, as long as you don’t ing in an undignified way.” tionally-supervised independ- UN Kosovo Plan The leaders said they were ence for Kosovo. drive one! BALKAN INSIGHT, TIRANA Berisha also rejected the plan Driving in Prishtina has become a lbanian Premier Sali as forcing the partition of nightmare during the last couple of Berisha and Europe’s newest state. “The days, due to weather conditions. AMontenegro’s Milo plan has serious problems Last weekend it was snowing heavi- Djukanovic have rejected the because it sanctions a soft parti- ly and authorities didn’t bother to UN’s six-point plan for the tion of Kosovo,” said Berisha. hire somebody to clean the snow deployment of the EU’s law- Both premiers asked the from the streets. A joke that is cir- and-order mission to Kosovo, United Nations to launch con- culating in town is really bizarre: sultations with local Kosovar EULEX. “the snow caught them unpre- authorities on the deployment “The partition of Kosovo on pared,” citizens say. Huh! Yeah sure! an ethnic basis is a dead-end of EULEX. It’s November, and it shouldn’t real- plan,” said Djukanovic during a The proposal envisages the ly snow now, should it? joint press conference with gradual replacement of the UN And if this was the first Berisha, adding that his govern- administrative mission in November the snow caught the ment was against any form of Kosovo, UNMIK, which has authorities unprepared, it would be partition for Kosovo. According been in the province since 1999, understandable. But each time it with an EU civilian mission to him, partition would create a snows, the traffic in Kosovo is photo by Petrit Rrahmani for Prishtina Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by photo composed primarily of police chain reaction that would desta- jammed. There are so many silly Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci bilise the Balkans. and court officials. accidents and people are silently accepting this. Of course, nobody will protest against the icy state of 40 Private Clinics the roads. There are many other things to protest about, such as the six points, or the four points, or any to be Shut points that have to do with the UN, BALKAN INSIGHT, PRISHTINA actually larger than this, main- EULEX, or with any other political he Kosovo Police have ly because they have not applied issue. That makes sense, right? been asked by Health for the right type of licence. “Of It especially makes sense because the list that has been handed TMinistry officials to shut all these people working for the UN, over to police, it is worth men- down 40 private clinics because EULEX, OSCE and the others, who tioning that we preliminarily they are operating illegally. probably make a up a good part of reached decisions to restrict the Prishtina Insight’s readers, have Kosovo’s health inspector has practice of more than 400 4x4 company vehicles which a) don’t been examining private health health institutions which have get stuck and b) they don’t really not applied for a licence,” he institutions over the course of care about. Oh, and I almost forgot said. the year, and after speaking to mention that a few of these vehi- However the legitimacy of Fonet by photo with other health officials, com- the licences offered to Kosovo Estonia’s Prime Minister Andrus Ansip cles make a mockery of the rule of posed a list of clinics that must private clinics has come under law when they drive in the pedestri- be closed. scrutiny in recent weeks since ans-only section of Mother Theresa The list includes private hos- the Permanent Secretary of the Estonia ‘Interested’ street. Can somebody please advise pitals, dentistry clinics, and Ministry of Health, Ilir Rrecaj, them not to do it? I am asking for various laboratories. was dismissed from his post help because I’m quite sure that the However, a senior Health after giving a licence to a pri- in Kosovo police won’t ticket them for this. Ministry official told the daily vate clinic which was allegedly All in all, Prishtina municipality Express that the number of conducting illegal organ trans- seems to be one of the few institu- clinics that need to be closed is plants. Development tions worldwide to really benefit BALKAN INSIGHT, PRISHTINA bours,” declared Ansip. from global warming. And guess stonia’s Prime Minister President Sejdiu and why? The snow melted and the ice says his country is pre- Estonia’s head of government disappeared from our streets. I discussed the many aspects of wouldn’t be surprised if one of Epared to help in the polit- mutual collaboration between world’s top contributors to global ical and economic development the two countries, along with warming were decorated by of Kosovo – particularly in the future expectations. Prishtina’s mayor for exceptional area of foreign investment. Ansip focused specifically on service. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip Kosovo’s need for foreign In the meantime, be careful, or, as announced during a meeting investment. Albanians would say, kujdes! Winter with Kosovo’s President, Sejdiu also thanked Ansip for in Kosovo may surprise us again, the strong support that Estonia Fatmir Sejdiu, that now is the and if it snows, don’t rely on the provided Kosovo in the run-up authorities or on global warming. right time to focus on democrat- to its independence, recognis- ic development, economic sup- ing Kosovo as an independent Get yourself a new pair of winter port and stability for Kosovo. and sovereign state, and the tires and, just in case, leave your “Estonia’s success is based on country’s presence within the snow chains in your trunk. photo by Petrit Rrahmani for Prishtina Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by photo direct foreign investment, and NATO-led Kosovo peacekeeping Good luck! Medicus was one of the first clinics to be closed cooperation with its neigh- force, KFOR. 4 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 politics Kosovo Stunned by Alleged German Role in Blast Claims that German intelligence officers took part in the bombing of an EU building in Prishtina have surprised Kosovars, while the attackers’ motives remain unclear. from page 1

Terrorism charges photo by FoNet by photo A Prishtina district judge, meanwhile, has ordered the sus- pects to be detained until Ban Reports on December 22. Prishtina Insight can reveal that the indictment on which the Kosovo public prosecu- tor’s office is working will cite Troubled Plan three main motives for the attack BALKAN INSIGHT, PRISHTINA veto power, Russia. on the building, which also serves he UN Secretary General Meanwhile, the report adds as the headquarters of the Ban Ki-Moon admits, in his that the UN mission has already International Civilian Office, Treport to the Security begun to adapt and ‘reconfigure’ ICO, the body that supervises Council, that Kosovo has rejected to take into account Kosovo’s Kosovo’s independence. the six-point plan for the deploy- independence. Legal experts in Kosovo and ment of EULEX which Serbia “The United Nations Mission lawyers for the detainees say the accepted. in Kosovo, UNMIK, has begun to men could face jail terms of up to Ban called for the United adapt its structure and profile in

20 years each if found guilty of Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by photo Nations mission, set up after the response to the profoundly terrorism. All three men’s The ICO building in Prishtina 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict nearly a changed reality in Kosovo fol- lawyers have stated they will decade ago, to retain overall lowing Kosovo’s declaration of Tunuzliu told Prishtina Insight the EU building in Prishtina,” oppose any extension of the authority while transferring independence and the adoption Blaurock had asked for the case Stadler said. men’s detention. many day-to-day administrative of a Constitution,” reads the to be dealt with as quickly as pos- A source within the public But these reassurances have responsibilities to the EULEX report. sible. prosecutor’s office in Prishtina not persuaded the public in mission. A 2,000-strong EU rule- Yet he admits that there will In the meantime, a source in told Prishtina Insight that among Kosovo, which is still struggling of-law mission is to take over in be tension and confusion caused the Kosovo government told the items of evidence in the case to come up with explanations for six main areas, including police, by difficulties in reconciling the is a video recording of the event, Prishtina Insight that immediate- the event. courts and borders. 1999 UN Security Council resolu- which apparently shows one sus- ly after the arrests, the German One issue that raises suspicion Authorities in Prishtina reject tion under which the UN mis- pect throwing a substance into government tried to repatriate its is the timing of the event, much of the plan but ”are in favor sion is mandated and the consti- the ICO’s front yard from a build- citizens. “They asked for a land- because the explosion occurred of a quick deployment” of the tution of the independent ing across the street. The video ing slot at Prishtina internation- precisely when international EU mission and ”will cooper- Republic of Kosovo. has not been seen by Prishtina al airport for a special plane,” a diplomats were piling pressure ate,” the report added. “My Special Representative is Insight. source said. on Kosovo to drop its objections As a result, Ban says, he has facing increasing difficulties in In addition, this source told The same source said the plane to the six-point plan. instructed UN staff to prepare to exercising his mandate owing to Prishtina Insight that some 20 was supposed to bring in special Although Kosovo’s President, transfer some duties to the EU the conflict between resolution intelligence forces who would mission. 1244 and the Kosovo witnesses would be questioned, Fatmir Sejdiu, and Prime take the three arrested Germans The UN chief emphasised that Constitution, which does not while the video material and Minister, Hashim Thaci, down- home. The source said he did not ”continued dialogue is neces- take UNMIK into account.” other hard evidence is being played possible links between know exactly how this would sary” between the leaders of It is precisely this which has analysed by experts. the blast and the UN plan, many have been carried out. Serbia and Kosovo but said talks caused resistance to the plan by On Tuesday, Eckart Blaurock, reports see links between the However, the regulatory should also include the Serbian Prishtina’s leaders. deputy head of the German two. The German tabloid news- authorities in charge of commu- Orthodox Church and interna- Although not explicitly stated embassy in Prishtina, visited the paper Bild, published an article nications, acting on instructions tional groups. in the plan, critics say the reali- prosecutor assigned to the case, saying that the bomb attack had from the Ministry of Transport “I consider that continued dia- ty on the ground will be that Feti Tunuzliu, to be briefed. been “the work of an anti-EU fac- and Telecommunication, did not logue is necessary in Belgrade police, customs and courts in issue a prompt permit for the tion of Kosovars.” and Prishtina. This should also Serb enclaves will come under involve the Serbian Orthodox United Nations jurisdiction, landing. A German security expert, Elmar Thevessen, came up with Church, relevant international while EULEX will be in charge in www.prishtinainsight.com “A permit was given only after actors and other stakeholders,” areas with a majority ethnic the court took a decision to another explanation. He told the reads the section of the report Albanian population. Publisher: extend [the men’s] detention to 30 German broadcaster Deutsche under the heading “Serbian For example, the report calls BIRN days, meaning there were no Welle that BND agents had been Patrimony.” for a senior policeman from the Balkan Investigative Reporting investigating organized crime legal ways for the three men to be Serbia insists that the EU can- Serb community “who will report Network ties to the Kosovo government, taken away,” the source said. not deploy a new civilian mis- to the senior international police which might explain why local Prishtina Insight could not inde- sion in Kosovo to replace the UN officer in Kosovo through exist- Mensa e Studenteve, first floor officials were keen to get rid of pendently verify this informa- administration unless the mis- ing command channels.” 10000, Prishtina tion. them. sion is neutral in status and does However, UN officials reject the Kosovo The German embassy in Lulzim Peci, a security analyst not put into action the plan of idea that the six-point plan splits Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 Prishtina has not commented. from the Kosovar Institute for former UN envoy Martti Kosovo and keeps EULEX out of Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 The embassy “does not give any Research and Policy Ahtisaari – which envisages the Serb-dominated north. [email protected] comments or information on con- Development, KIPRED, said: “I internationally-supervised inde- Rather, they say, it envisages a sular cases,” Blaurock told don’t think the motives have to pendence for Kosovo. gradual transition from UNMIK Editor-in-Chief: Prishtina Insight. do anything with the policies of Belgrade also insists that the to EULEX as the UN mission Krenar Gashi the German government, or of mission must be confirmed by works to reintegrate the already [email protected] Motives unknown the BND itself. I believe this was the UN Security Council, in alienated north with the rest of which it has a close ally with the country. Editorial Team: more a private action of these Ana Petruseva, Arif Muharremi, In the meantime, a German men.” He added: “I hope things David Labrador, Gordana Igric, government spokesman, Thomas will get clarified in the upcoming Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, Steg, told a news conference that [German] parliamentary com- Shega A’Mula, Shiv Sharma and “the idea that the German gov- mission meeting”. Get Prishtina Insight Vjosa Musliu ernment could be involved in ter- However, a Kosovo police rorist attacks abroad is absurd.” source told Prishtina Insight delivered to your door! Marketing, Sales & Distribution: Max Stadler, deputy chair of that they had ruled out the possi- [email protected] the German parliamentary com- bility that personal motives Design & Layout: ”Rrjeti” mission supervising Germany’s played a role in the attack. 038 24 33 58 secret services, agreed, noting “Nobody stood to benefit person- Printing: Roto Print that Germany strongly supports ally from breaking the glass of [email protected] Copyright © BIRN the EU’s role in Kosovo. “As such, the blue [ICO] building,” the it would make no sense to attack source said. business • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 5 Retailers Manipulate Oil Prices Retailers in Kosovo are quick to follow global changes in the price of oil – but only when prices are going up. retail market in Kosovo because change,” says Bytyqi. sellers have to work off the As regards to regional prices, inventory that they purchased at Bytyqi says that in Macedonia By Lavdim Hamidi the higher price. oil prices are slightly cheaper in Prishtina However, Bytyqi admits that than in Kosovo, since, according when international prices rise, to him, oil is refined at the OCTA sellers take the opportunity to petroleum refinery and the he cost of oil in Kosovo increase prices right away. prices of what it produces are set only follows global trends “More or less, I can say that by the state, whereas here all Twhen prices are rising; sellers take advantage of times prices are set by the market. when they are falling, the cost of when they purchase cheaper oil In contrast to other countries, and the price increases on the which intervene in their domes- oil in Kosovo stays steady. international market,” claims tic markets using their oil Such are the complaints of Salih Shabani, a taxi driver from Bytyqi. reserves to lower prices during a Prishtina, who states that he At present, when the interna- crisis, Kosovo takes no such would earn more from his job if tional price of oil has fallen action. The legislation needed to Kosovo’s oil prices were in har- below 56 US dollars per barrel, establish state oil reserves does mony with not only internation- one liter of diesel sells for 98 not exist. al price fluctuations, but also Euro cents in Kosovo, while one The Council for the Regulation regional changes. liter of gasoline is 5 cents cheap- of the Oil Market is also power- “It surprises you, because er. Meanwhile, reports suggest less to set prices for retailers, when gas prices increase inter- that diesel can be bought for less since they set their prices them- nationally, price settings in than 90 Euro cents in northern selves. Kosovo are automatically seen to Mitrovica, since oil that enters Ramadan Buzhala, the head of follow, while when international the northern borders of Kosovo the council, which is a part of prices decrease, such a thing is not assessed any sort of tax or the Ministry for Trade and isn’t even noticed here, or takes tariff. Industry, admits that the a while to fall,” said Shabani. However, prices are not the Ministry does not have any sort The head of the Association same everywhere in the region; of mechanism to set the price of of Kosovo Oil Businesses, Nazmi in some places in Kosovo’s north oil since Kosovo has a free mar- Bytyqi, who was once an the price even surpasses 1 Euro. ket where competition sets the Retailers in Kosovo hesitate to drop oil prices importer of oil himself, explains The large number of sellers prices. “The price of oil in Kosovo is driver, explains that the way the that oil retailers only buy oil and the absence of control cre- Buzhala explains that the actually a little higher, but it oil market works at present is from time to time, and when ate room for manipulation and price of oil is slightly higher prices fall on the international crime. than it should be sold at in the does not differ a lot from other that retailers are continuously market the decreases are not “There are retailers who do market. According to him, prices places in the region,” says prospering, while the pockets of automatically passed on to the not sell 30 liters of oil a month. in Macedonia, with its oil refin- Buzhala. drivers are continuously empty- They maintain prices that do not ery, are around 3 cents cheaper. Meanwhile, Shabani, the taxi ing. Sale of Kosovo’s PTK Condemned as Untimely Decision to privatise the telecommunications giant during global downturn has drawn sharp criticism. By Vjosa Musliu and the BIRN of the options before deciding issue. “If our voice is not heard, team in Prishtina how to privatise the PTK. “The we are planning to radicalize analysis is to be multidimen- our actions,” Alshiqi said. he decision of Kosovo’s sional, so we avoid simply say- Myzejene Selmani, head of government in October to ing whether this is good or bad,” the parliamentary commission Tprivatise the country’s Shala added. for trade, energy, transport and postal and telecommunications But some civil society groups telecommunications, told giant has drawn harsh criticism maintain the sale is being driv- Balkan Insight this was the from opposition and civil society en by purely political factors. wrong moment to sell the PTK. groups. Avni Zogiani, head of Cohu, “It’s in the government’s Criticism has focused on the an organisation that targets cor- interest to privatize PTK at this sudden decision to sell off the ruption, told Balkan Insight moment because Vala will lose Post and Telecommunications of that the government was mainly much of its value and in that Kosovo, PTK, without clarifying interested in paying back people way it will be more feasible for the methodology behind the pri- who had financed the election the government to interfere vatisation and at a time when campaign of the party in power. with the process,” says Selmani. the world economy is in crisis. “Hashim Thaci’s government The parliamentarian claims The management of PTK does needs to repay favours to vari- the government wants a lower The PTK is considered to be the most valuable public enterprise in Kosovo not oppose privatisation as such, ous individuals,” he said. He asking price for the company so but says it is wrong to sell the claims a number of important that its business allies could bid 20 years,” he said. According to ther delay was pointless. company during a recession. businessmen could benefit from for it more easily. Ahmeti, many governments “Nobody can guarantee tomor- They maintain that the effects a non-transparent privatisation Roland Berger, a European around the world have put off row will be any better,” he said. of the global downturn, as well process and some businesses strategic consulting firm, esti- privatising companies vital to “We believe that by the second as unclear privatisation proce- close to the government would mates PTK’s value to be between their economies due to the finan- half of the coming year, the dures, could mean the company receive unfair preference for 800 million and 1.2 billion euros. cial crisis, and Kosovo should do financial market will stabilize.” is sold for less than it is worth. their bids to buy the PTK. According to this estimate, the same. But Shpend Ahmeti says the However, Ahmet Shala, Shala, the minister responsi- PTK’s mobile phone operator, At a time when France has sale is still being carried out in Minister of Economy and ble for the privatisation process Vala, alone, is worth as much as postponed the sale of its what he called “a rush,” and he Finance, defended the timing, telecommunication company in Kosovo, dismissed Zogiani’s 650 million euros. also urges the government to saying no one could be sure claims as absurd. “This is just a The PTK has contributed sig- due to the economic downturn, sell the company piece by piece, whether the crisis would conspiracy theory,” he said, nificantly to Kosovo’s cash- critics ask why Kosovo’s govern- rather than as a job lot. improve or worsen in future. adding that the sale would go strapped budget in the past, sup- ment doesn’t do likewise. Ahmeti says the sale would “If something starts with the ahead next year. plying around 20 million euros Etrur Rrustemaj, executive prophecy that it will end badly, Unions are also opposed to the for work on the preparation of director of PTK from 2004 to not lead to a flurry of fresh the chances are that it will real- sale. Milazim Alshiqi, head of Kosovo’s Constitution, for exam- 2007, says Kosovo’s budget could investment, as Prime Minister ly end up so,” said Shala, adding the PTK staff union, told Balkan ple. lose up to 200 million euros if Hashim Thaci claimed, because that the sale would open up new Insight that they strongly Shpend Ahmeti, an expert on Vala is sold during the economic investors from wealthy coun- channels of development for the oppose the sale, fearing the pro- economics, says that the timing crisis. tries would be preoccupied over country. cedures would lack transparen- of the sale is questionable. However, minister Shala said the next few years with running According to him, the govern- cy. He said unions were writing “At the moment, the PTK’s the PTK should have been sold their own companies in their ment will complete an analysis a petition of protest over the value is the lowest it’s been for off much earlier, and any fur- home countries. 6 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 city

A Taste of Kosovo Krelane, Duqa style relane served Duqa style is a basic Kosovar Kdish that can be made with principal ingredients that are always to be found in the kitchen. These pastries take almost no time and no effort to prepare, and are easy to make when a cook just needs to lay back and save energy for another night.

Ingredients:

1 kg flour 1 tbsp salt 200 g melted butter White cheese to serve with the krelane

Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees Celsius.

Mix the flour and salt with Photo by Petrit Rrahmani for Prishtina Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by Photo some warm water to create a Buildings That Shape Kosovo dough a bit thicker than pan- cake dough. Pour the dough mixture into an oiled pan and place the pan in the oven. National Theatre, Prishtina After 10 minutes, lower the heat to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake until the surface turns A rundown exterior surrounds a vibrant – and growing – National Theatre. a golden brown colour. Take the pan out of the oven unwelcoming has in store. change the image of the and, with a table spoon, scoop The new Director of the National Theatre,” Krasniqi the baked krelane out of the National Theatre is anything said, intending to attract more pan and form each tablespoon By Sarah Wischman but rundown, unwelcoming, and people. into a ball, or what Albanians in Prishtina old. Arian Krasniqi, who started “We started to make monthly call “Duqa.” his job at the beginning of programs and have active mar- Place each of the balls back rue beauty lies within. A October, is only twenty-seven keting,” he said. into the oiled pan. Spread the melted butter cliché and yet, in many years old, which makes him the The program for 2009 will be over the krelane. Tcases it is true. One of youngest director of a national published in December, in Bake for another 10 minutes. them is the National Theatre of theatre in the Balkans, he said, English and Albanian. There are Sprinkle white cheese over Kosovo. laughing. five to seven premieres planned I found the theatre in very bad for 2009. the baked krelane and serve The beige building is run with your choice of appetizer, condition when I came,” he said. “When you ask people [on] the down, so are the stairs leading such as roasted peppers or “I had to start from the begin- street you will find out they up to the entrance. Graffiti cov- pickled vegetables. ers the wall on one side. The ning.” don’t go to the theatre,” Krasniqi stately wooden entrance doors It is warm and cozy inside the said. “People think there are no with their red curtains are the theatre hall, which has space for good plays. We try to change dents to 1 Euro by Dec 1st. only hint that the exterior might more then 300 spectators. The that.” The Ministry for Culture not do justice to what is hidden dominant dark red colour and “My opinion is that theatre is finances the National Theatre, which is now trying to find addi-

inside. the charisma peculiar to the- in crisis everywhere in the Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by Photo tional sponsors to increase its One could easily overlook the atres everywhere contribute to region,” said actor Avni Abazi, reason why theatres are losing budget, Krasniqi said. building on Nena Tereza street, the pleasant aura of the hall. “Movies and internet are killing audience. Nikola Gaon from Sarajevo unless one happens to catch a The mixture of culture, creativi- theatre.” The theatre had its golden age said he visits the National glimpse of golden lettering that ty and entertainment is present However, Abazi, who last per- before 1989, when Albanian lan- Theatre about six times a year. reads ‘Teatri Kombetar - in every breath of air. formed in the National Theatre guage and culture was sup- Language is not much of an National Theatre.’ Then, per- However, only 30 to 60 visitors in a 2004 production of “A pressed, he said. “The young issue for him. Gaon said he haps, one would wonder what typically come to the perform- Midsummer Nights Dream,” generation lost a feeling for the speaks some basic Albanian and the old building that seems so ances. “Our intention is to said for Kosovo there is another theatre.” The new management is trying to get this generation if the plot is familiar he can fol- back, Abazi said, by getting low the story. them out of the coffee shops and The problem is that, “many into the theatre. foreigners here don’t make an “I think that most of the peo- effort to learn Albanian because ple I know prefer watching they don’t need to,” he said. As a movies,” student Arijeta Doroci consequence they miss out on said. “Plays are not comparable cultural events like plays, he to movies,” she added, but the added. “If you wanted to devel- theatre has to do better market- op a habit among foreigners of ing to attract more people. coming to plays you would need It is important that even kids to perform them in English.” in primary school are targeted That is something Krasniqi is so that they get used to going to considering. He is thinking of the theatre, Doroci said, who having a few plays in English, as goes to the National Theatre most of the staff speaks the lan- about four times a year. guage. Co-productions with the Things seem to have started to National Theatre of Croatia and change; audiences have started Macedonia are also planned, as to get bigger. From October 1st are co-productions with French to October 23d, the theatre’s rev- and German theatre companies. enue from ticket sales was 600 Despite a heavy workload, Euros, which is as much as the Krasniqi is motivated and opti- theatre made in the whole year mistic. He said; “I came here and before Krasniqi came, he said. decided to give my best…to The price of a ticket is usual- change this theatre.” And it ly 3 Euros. However, Krasniqi looks as though Krasniqi is on plans to reduce the price for stu-

Photo by Petrit Rrahmani for Prishtina Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by Photo the right track. arte • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 7 What’s cookin’, good lookin’? A bouncing ride across Prishtina with Kosovo’s hoodless rap girls

elieve it or not, Kosovo has videos where they represent onto the stage starting to rhyme its own Lil’Kims and themselves as macho guys, and I everything I remembered. It was BMissy Elliots. And the know they aren’t like that at all,” fantastic.” girls are not afraid to say it loud; Donche says. “It was a kind of She speaks in rhymes, trying “Yeee, we’re rap artists as well.” challenge for me to show that to express herself just as she Donika Latifi is a typical girls can do rap, maybe even bet- does when she’s singing. But she Prishtina girl: she attends public ter.” says she doesn’t make her living university, she goes out for coffee Donche says she writes lyrics from rap. with her friends. In a word, she by herself. “I’m inspired by all “I never thought to earn does all the usual things a usual these little things that compose money from doing rap music. girl does. But not really, because reality in Kosovo,” she says. “Of And I certainly won’t, since here she has a gift. Yes, she raps. course I’m part of it and some- it is very hard to live from your “I started to rap one night with times I’m inspired at a certain art, especially if you are a my rapper friend,” she remem- moment, I take my notebook and woman,” Nora says. She also bers. “The power was out, and he start to write rhymes, and every writes the lyrics for her songs, started to make some rhymes, time, it’s exciting.” and she says she takes her inspi- and I started just after him. He Nora is another Prishtina rap ration from the streets. “I always was quite surprised.” girl with a low profile and no liked to see what people were After that night the news was hood. She’s really hard to spot at doing. I like to put their lives on all over the city: “Donche knows first sight, but, hey, wait. Give paper, I like to rhyme their lives,” Donika Latifi - MC Donche how to rap.” And it wasn’t that her a mic. See? I just told you! she says. “In Kosovo there are so bad for this English-language “I was raised on the street and many things you can talk about. respect from their male rapper cannot really ban people from student, because offers started to I’ll rap for the streets,” she says, There are so many topics that friends, both girls say that there doing what they really want to do,” arrive for her to participate in recalling the very first time she people see as taboo, and I think are times when they hear that says Donche. “I feel rap, and even if rap concerts. gave rapping a shot. “First I that rap is about breaking these “no, rap isn’t for women.” I can’t live on it, and I’m pretty “Among other reasons I started remembered the lyrics, and I was taboos.” “This machismo is so irritat- sure I won’t, I will continue to com- to rap was Albanian rappers’ at the concert, and I just jumped Even though they enjoy ing. This is a free place, and you pose rhymes. That’s me.” Skena! Up! Again! Turntables belong to the past tense The electronic music scene in Prishtina is up and walking, though it’s still using a pacifier. After years of bringing international stars to perform in the country, Kosovar DJ’s are producing good material of their own.

Driton Pllana, who goes by the Working as a DJ since the end of Kosovo name ‘Utility,’ teamed with conflict, Toton is one of the few Kosovar DJproducer Faton Dolaku to cre- musicians to have performed in different ate an electronic music album called European countries and in United States. “Nemesis.” Both say they like their jobs, “Nowadays everything is commercial, and good chemistry is in the air. but of course you cannot hear electronic The International Student Film and Theatre Festival - Skena UP - opened “This is a totally new thing because it is music anywhere in the green market in on Thursday with the short German-Swiss film “On the line” by Caffi new music, a new spirit and all the people Prishtina,” he jokes. who heard the material liked it,” said He says that he doesn’t earn much from Reto, which won 14 awards, including the Student Academy Award for Toton, also an electronica DJ, adding that being a DJ but, nevertheless, the music he best foreign-language film. “Nemesis” is the start of a new era in loves pushes him to come up with new Kosovo’s electronic music scene. things that reflect life in Kosovo. or the sixth time in a row, Skena UP American Film Institute in the USA; and Faton Dolaku says they took the initia- “As a musician who spends four to five is hosting more than one hundred LA FEMIS in France. tive with a little help from their friends. hours in front of a computer making Ffilms and plays as well as workshops There are 10 plays in Skena UP, eight of “No, we didn’t ask for any help from music, I earn 150 to 200 euros, and yes, I on cinema and acting. which will be competing. institutions, because if you send a request know, a doctor in Kosovo earns that In this edition, 92 movies will be compet- Veton Nurkollari, one of the founders of it can take months before they just turn amount as well,” he says, still joking. “But, ing for prizes for the best film, best docu- the documentary film festival in Prizren, you down and, in the meantime, you can you see, doctors could choose to be DJ’s mentary film and for best animated film. Dokufest, says that; “every year Skena UP lose so much,” he said. and have much more fun.” Radio Television Kosova (RTK) will give brings quality films from world renowned the prize for the best Kosovar film, in the academies, and that’s not a small thing.” On the other hand, Driton says the elec- On the other hand, Faton Dolaku, who amount of €1,000, while the United “It is a festival Prishtina needs.” tronic music scene in Prishtina faces a also plays the piano, explains that he is Nations Kosovo Team (UNKT) will give a Plays in the competition are from the bizarre difficulty. “We are the only elec- irritated by the title ‘producer.’ €1,000 award for the best documentary film USA, Spain, Switzerland, Macedonia, Iran, tronic music artists who live and work in a “In Kosovo the title ‘producer’ is very on human rights. Romania and Kosovo. Special guest plays place with no power,” he says, laughing. common. Like, a guy who doesn’t have a Theatre director Bekim Lumi said that are “Beast of the Moon,” directed by the “Nevertheless, over all these years we clue about it buys some music equipment this is a good chance for artists to learn famous Dino Mustafic and the Italian play managed to produce good music, which and a computer, and he starts to call him- more about latest developments in cine- “30 60 90.” In the theatre program, prizes tries to compete in quality with electronic self a producer. That’s really totally unac- matography. will be awarded for best play, best direct- music that is produced by well-known ceptable,” he says. “That’s the time when “Students of arts academies in Kosovo ing and for the best actor. The Dodona the- DJs.” music starts to die.” can benefit a lot from Skena UP by keeping atre will give the prize for the best actress. up with the latest trends in film and the- Founded in October 2003 by a group of atre,” he said; pointing out that they students and young artists, Skena UP rep- should use contacts they make during resents an important cultural event in these days to develop further cooperation Kosovo, as it is one of the few festivals ded- with artists in the region and the world. icated to film and theatre students. “This is a good chance to see where we Arben Zharku, festival director, says stand in the worlds of film and theatre.” that every year they make efforts to bring Films entered in Skena UP are coming something new, something better and dif- from famous European and American film ferent. academies, such as Famu in the Czech “We try through Skena UP to promote Republic; the Baden Württemberg Film Kosovar film and theatre values in differ- Academy in Germany; the National Film ent parts of the world,” he says. “It is and Television School in London; the something we really need.”

Articles were written by Arif Muharremi. The research was originally carried out for BIRN’s ”Jeta ne Kosove” TV show. 8 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 guide Balm for the Soul in Rugova Mountain views, air you could drink, and oodles of traditional hospitality: it’s all offered in the villages of Bogaj and Stankaj.

By Asdren Rrahmani

he villages of Bogaj and Stankaj lie near the west- Tern town of Peja, in the mountains of the well-known Rugova Gorge. Driving from Peja through Rugova Gorge is excit- ing in itself: rocky mountains, tunnels, a narrow road and won- derful sightseeing. But of course, for your own safety, all of this needs to be accompanied with steady hands on the wheel and total concentration on the road. After some 20 km of driving, one reaches a mountain road (still passable in a normal pas- senger vehicle), which continues for about 5 km to the village of Bogaj. On arrival one can notice a number of small chalets and motel-like restaurants, which Photo by Asdren Rrahmani Rrahmani Asdren by Photo offer good prices for a night’s stay, around 22 euros including dinner. After parking your vehicle you get to start climbing the moun- tain. The real story begins here, as enchanting views open up on all four sides. The mountain is ringed by greenery from many different trees, though most are pine. The local people are extremely hospitable and friendly. They may not speak a word of English, but they’ll do what they can to help you on your way. It takes about an hour to climb throughout the Bogaj hills but the terrain is pretty safe. At the top of the hill one can see all the mountains surrounding Rugova Gorge and the rest of the range that divides Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania. When you eventually reach the top, you can drop your bags and catch your breath with the fresh- est air to be found in Kosovo. All you will want to do here is swal- low the beautiful landscape and take many pictures. When I climbed the mountain on a sunny day in late June, I saw a shepherd with his flock, chang- The shepherd was from the vil- I had heard something about it Unplanned but very comfort- As evening closed in, I made ing his path and walking towards lage of Stankaj, about 3 km down in the news, but of course I did- able, I stayed for over two hours. my way back down the hill to me. I thought he was going to tell the hill, which he recommended to n’t know that before the falling Traditions of hospitality would Bogaj, where I had left my car. me off for crossing a fence or for visit. Walking towards his village, crane pinned him to the ground, not allow me to escape the cus- After such a journey, I got back taking a picture of a cabin, the kind shepherd told me a sad this man saved the lives of four tomary lunch of homemade to the city feeling dead tired but which I had just done. But story about his youngest brother other people, in which New York Albanian hospitality can sur- who had just died in New York, City authorities awarded him cheese, milk, yoghurt, a mixed imbued with a strong desire to prise even a local like me. He just after a building that was under con- with a posthumous honour. salad and warm bread, known as return to this magical place once wanted to say hello. struction collapsed on top of him. As we were going downhill, I Pogaqe. again. thought I might go and meet his family and express my condo- lences. In Albanian tradition, you don’t need to know someone personally in order to express your condolences and visit a family in which a death has occurred. I met Uke Kurtaj, the man’s father, sitting on a wooden bench outside the family cabin. I could see the grief in his eyes, the pain from the loss of his son evident just at first glance. He made me sit next to him, gave me a hug and started asking the ritual questions: how my family was, where I came from and how I ended up there. Photo by Asdren Rrahmani Rrahmani Asdren by Photo Rrahmani Asdren by Photo Photo by Asdren Rrahmani Rrahmani Asdren by Photo food & drink • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 9 Restaurant review: Gresa Keith Bowers reveals the epic portions served at this friendly, family-run, restaurant to which he has returned to time and again. Photo by Petrit Rrahmani for Prishtina Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by Photo Photo by Petrit Rrahmani for Prishtina Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by Photo

lthough I have been going cucumber and basil, but does not to Gresa restaurant for reveal all the secrets of this Aeight years now, I did not appetising starter. One course is know until recently what its usually enough, but on occasion I name meant in Albanian. I fondly have looked longingly at ample assumed it would be a word that portions of cheesecake as they meant something like huge or sail past on their way to tables massive, given the enormous por- where diners have somehow tions that routinely appear on found room for dessert. What I do try to find room for is the compli- your plate there. There are usual- mentary glass of brandy or raki, ly two choices of dishes referred usually offered after the her- to on the menu - large or small. culean task of finishing a meal. But don’t be fooled by the word There is not much I do not like “small,” because Gresa is the about Gresa, though when partic- kind of place where you need to ularly busy, clouds of smoke can run around Germia park at least linger in the atmosphere twice to work up enough appetite although that is a routine hazard to tackle the gargantuan dishes, of dining out in the Balkans. One such as warm chicken salad, filet addition I have not warmed to is mignon or beef fajitas. the new television perched in My favourite haunt in view of most diners. This seems Prishtina, I first visited while on out of keeping with the ambience an early trip to Kosovo in 2000 Gresa wishes to impart, of com- when the restaurant was on the panionship, conversation and first floor of the Qafa building. Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by Photo good, plentiful, food. But I will Since then, I’ve been a regular by four brothers. Two of them, Both Fatmir and Fatos have their famously huge portions find it in my heart to forgive this customer on my regular trips to Fatmir and Fatos, work as wait- always given me a friendly wel- ever since. However, Fatmir says blemish for Gresa has always pro- Prishtina over the years. I ers, and constantly run a keen eye come and deliver their gigantic that even those that might feel vided an agreeable home for me approved of the move to a more over the clientele to ensure they plates with a flourish. Fatmir overwhelmed by the abundance whether I have dined there on my upmarket venue opposite the are happy. The other two, Ilir and tells me Gresa was the first of food always come back for own or with friends. In case you OSCE headquarters in 2004. The Mehdi, are cooks, turning out a restaurant to open in Prishtina more. were wondering, Gresa is named location is convenient, clean and range of delicious and generous after the war. He used to live in A meal begins with home-made after an Illyrian princess from homely and the bathroom down- dishes. Italian cuisine is to the Germany and came back to bread rolls and a saucer of home- way back. I wonder whether she stairs is always immaculate. fore but there are other European Kosovo with the KFOR troops. made dip. Fatmir admits to some was a mythical giant of epic pro- Gresa is a family concern run and American influences. The family has been serving up ingredients, such as garlic, portions. Photo by Petrit Rrahmani for Prishtina Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit by Photo 10 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 holidays Flag Day in Kosovo The red and black flag is more than just a flag for Kosovo Albanians - it represents their continuous efforts to pro- tect their national identity from the harshest regime in Europe. ars are the times when background will always remain the trivial elements of in our hearts. Wnationalism melt away. “Why?” one might ask. Well Flags are the number-one tool to this is the flag Kosovars fought for identify your side from the other – that is a good reason, for side. Everything else about war is starters. But here’s the long story simply business. But nine years in a short way: after the war and almost one year On November 28, 1912, an after the declaration of independ- Albanian patriot called Ismail ence, Kosovars seem to consider Qemali, whom in Kosovo primary their national Albanian flag to be schools refer to as “the clever old irreplaceable. man with a white beard,” lifted up The Kosovo flag - yeah, the blue the Albanian national flag in and yellow, Solana-designed, pro- Albania’s southern town of The Declaration of Independence - Vlora, Albania, November 28, 1912 European flag with the map and Vlora, declaring Albania’s inde- also a film named “The Second pendence; before, displays of the omnipresent in TV stations, cafés the six stars - just doesn’t seem to pendence from the Ottoman November” with this theme. flag were officially discouraged. and restaurants. trigger enough emotion for our Empire. For Kosovars, when Albania Today, there seems to be a more This is the day when there are fellow citizens. And despite gov- According to another well- left them under Yugoslav rule, relaxed approach towards the no divisions between Kosovo ernment efforts to tell us, through known Albanian patriot, Faik devotion to the flag grew stronger symbolism of the flag, but there Albanians. No political parties, billboards and TV ads, that we Konica, the double-headed-eagle and stronger. The flag accompa- is still a far-from “relaxed” atti- no regional discrimination, no have a new identity, we still con- flag is precisely the flag under nied them through every impor- tude towards the sentiments the rural and urban people. well, at sider the red-and-black flag ours. which the great Albanian hero tant detail of their lives. At wed- national flag stirs. least we will try. Tomorrow is the first time Skanderbeg fought, and which he dings, at funerals, or even when Now, the best parties in town And while the new Kosovo flag when two flags will be flown offi- famously raised in rebellion they built a new house. are kicking off especially for Flag doesn’t stir any emotions, the red cially in Prishtina. Someday, the against the Ottomans on The sentiment for and commit- Day. Kosovars will wear their tra- and black flag is a representation Kosovo flag may replace the November 28, 1443. So, Konica ment to the national flag was ditional white ‘plis’ hats and feel of Kosovars, efforts to protect Albanian one in the official parts basically reinvented the of our lives, but there are many Skanderbeg flag. And November much more sensitive before proud. TV stations will be provid- their own identity at a time when things that tell us that the black, 28, 1912, was indeed, the second NATO intervention in Kosovo, ing huge coverage of the Flag they were not allowed to publicly double-headed eagle on the red November for Albanians. There’s the UNMIK administration and Day celebrations. Folk music and do so. It remains a symbol of finally, the declaration of inde- red-and-black decorations will be unity. Thanksgiving? You’re Welcome. The unlikely story of betrayal and survival that surrounds the Indians at the First Thanksgiving. such descendants). You can visit enough to invite 90 men from the Plimoth Plantation which is a band to the feast we commemo- fully recreated ”1627 English vil- rate today. By David Labrador lage,” that takes you back to the What came next will sound in Prishtina past. familiar to the people of the So you might wander out of the Balkans. The Pilgrims were stockade that surrounds the joined by tens of thousands of oday is Thanksgiving Day English village, past the cannon, Puritans, an extreme Protestant in the United States, and and into the woods. There you sect that ruled England during Twe all know the story will find another recreated vil- the decades following the First behind it; how, to show their grat- lage, this time a native one made Thanksgiving. In 1660, they final- itude, the humble Pilgrims invit- of tree branches, deerskin and ly lost power in England and ed the native band that helped lath. flooded into the lands of the them to a three-day feast that Their story is an amazing one, Wampanoag. marked a successful harvest. and a side of America that is lit- The Puritans began putting the Most American families are tle remembered and even less cel- natives under great pressure to descended from immigrants, ebrated. It began in 1492, when convert to Puritan Christianity, while one in ten are immigrants there were about 17 million and finally demanded that they themselves. For them, it is easy to Native Americans living in what surrender their weapons. In 1675, feel grateful on the third is now the mainland US. By 1900 54 years after the First Thursday in November. But what there were only about 500,000 left Thanksgiving, the ethnic cleans- about the 1 percent of Americans alive. ing started. who aren’t immigrants at all? For the Wampanoag, the num- Soon there were only 400 How do the Native Americans feel bers are similar. There were Wampanoags left alive. Most fled about today’s feast? about 12,000 of them when they to the islands. By 1807, after years To find out more about the first began meeting English of epidemics and discrimination A traditional Thanksgiving dinner First Thanksgiving you might sailors. In the years before the of the kind that is all-too- visit the town that the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving, diseases familiar, only 40 full-blooded plans to build a 385-million Euro ment. They’re calling it founded in 1620: Plymouth, caught from these seafarers Wampanoags were left alive on film and television studio, com- “Hollywood East.” Massachusetts. The town tells killed all but 2,000 on the main- Martha’s Vineyard. The last plete with 14 sound stages, a the- Meanwhile, inside the long- you a lot about the United States land, emptying many villages Native on Nantucket Island died atre, and a 300-room luxury hotel. house, The Mashpee Wampanoag but nothing about the natives. entirely. 3,000 more survived on in 1855. Needless to say, the choice was are greeting visitors, some of Everywhere you look in coastal islands. Today the Native population of not left to the Tribal Chairman of whom will surprise you by saying Plymouth you see stately club- The Pilgrims occupied the site the US has grown to about 2 mil- the Mashpee Wampanoag, Mr. that they, too, are Native houses, lodges, and museums of one of the empty Wampanoag lion, while the Wampanoag have Shawn Hendricks. No, the deci- Americans, and they want to dedicated to the memory of the villages, called Patuxet, and grown to about 3,000 members. sion was made by the Town know how they can connect with 102 original settlers or reserved found willing friends and allies in Meeting of Plymouth, the descen- their tribes. The Mashpee are for the use of their descendants, the Mashpee Wampanoag. By the These days the village of dants of the Pilgrims and glad to help, just as their ances- who are proud of their connec- start of their second winter, in Patuxet, now called Plymouth, Puritans, who voted 116 to 3 to tors were, nearly 400 years in the tion (today there are millions of 1621, the Pilgrims felt secure Massachusetts, is buzzing with build the sprawling new develop- past. analysis • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 11

Will the Financial Crisis Affect Giving?

Private donors are hurting from the financial crisis, and while history suggests they will continue to help their grantees, this is only if the crisis does- n’t last too long.

had already lost 12.7 per cent budget cutbacks; emergency major regional donor, said endowment, they were scrap- by then, even before the mas- asset management strategies; that regarding the activities ping all plans to work with sive losses of October this doing more with less.” of the Balkan Trust for new grantees in the coming By David Labrador year. Moody’s, the financial Things may not be as bad as Democracy and its levels of year. “It is a challenging time in Prishtina analysis firm, estimates the they seem. Steven Lawrence, grant-making, “there will be for the donor community, no endowments of most US uni- senior director of research at no change with respect to the doubt, but we are lucky to versities will lose about 30 per the Foundation Center, a US- previous years.” have donors who are commit- oundations that support important programmes cent of their value by the end based group similar to the Others are more circum- ted to working with us in bad Fin the Balkans are suf- of the year. EFC, recently said that “the spect. Gara LaMarche, presi- times as well as good times,” fering from the financial cri- Harvard’s president, Drew impact of the current crisis dent of the Atlantic he said. sis in a way that makes their Faust, told the faculty and stu- on their [foundations,] giving Philanthropies, wrote recent- The key to foundations’ con- continued giving much more dents that “endowment will be far less than current ly that while they would meet tinued support of pro- difficult. income has come to fund more market conditions might sug- commitments previously grammes in the Balkans may Much of the money that than a third of the gest.” made, they would “probably depend on how long the bad helps to develop the Balkans University’s annual operating Lawrence points to founda- be somewhat more conserva- times last. Steven Lawrence, comes from private founda- budget”, and went on to warn tions’ giving during previous tive for the coming period of the Foundation Center, tions that are giving money that “while we can hope that economic downturns, which about big new commitments. bases his optimism on founda- they earn from investing their markets will improve, we need rarely decreased even when For many foundations, tion giving during recent endowments. Endowments are to be prepared to absorb the assets of foundations though, there may be dramati- recessions in 1975, 1980, 1981- usually invested in a mix of unprecedented endowment dropped. He also notes that cally less new money to give 82, 1990-91 and 2001. stocks, bonds and cash. But losses and plan for a period of most foundations base their out in the next few years.” But none of those reces- this year, stocks and bonds greater financial constraint.” budgets for giving on two-to- Foundation officers may be sions lasted a full two years, have lost so much of their The situation is no better in five year averages of an even more concerned private- whereas the downturn under- value that, for many founda- Europe. Gerry Savole, chief endowment’s value, rather ly than their public state- way now may last much tions, there are no profits, executive of the European than its current value. This is ments suggest. Ferdinand longer. If it does, foundations only losses. Foundation Centre, EFC, an especially true of large foun- Nikolla, executive director of that base their giving on two, Even mighty Harvard umbrella group for founda- dations, like many of those the Forum for Civic three or even four-year aver- University, which has the tions and corporate funders in active in the Balkans. Initiatives, a Kosovo NGO ages of their endowments’ largest endowment in the Europe, reported recently that Indeed, many foundations with a focus on the rule of law, assets may be forced to seri- world, is suffering. Their while individual situations insist they will not cut back reports that a large founda- ously cut back on giving in endowment was worth 29 bil- vary in Europe, “the underly- on their giving. Ivan Vejvoda, tion recently told him that, 2010. In that case, Balkan soci- lion euros on June 30, but the ing concerns are the same: executive director of the because of the effect of the ety will lose support that it portion invested in US stocks depreciating endowments; Balkan Trust for Democracy, a financial downturn on their still badly needs. 12 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 neighbourhood

Macedonia takes Greece to World Court Balkan’s Biggest BALKAN INSIGHT, SKOPJE Skopje from entering any internation- acedonia has filed a motion at al institutions as long as it is done the International Court of under the provisional reference M Justice accusing Greece of ”Former Yugoslav Republic of Corruption Case breaking a UN agreement when it Macedonia” as stated in paragraph 2 of blocked Skopje’s bid to join NATO in the United Nations Security Council April 2008. “We filed the application to resolution 817. However, in April, the International Court of Justice. The Greece practically vetoed Macedonia’s reason is to protect our rights envis- invitation to join NATO at the Heads to Court aged in the Interim Accord,” alliance’s summit in Bucharest. It Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Antonio argued that Skopje’s use of the name million euro from its 373 Sources inside the pros- Milososki told media. Macedonia might lead it to make terri- million capital expendi- ecutor’s office have told Greece and Macedonia signed the torial claims over the Greek province United Nations Interim Accord in 1995. of the same name. Macedonia is now tures budget on the road. Balkan Insight that Under the agreement, Macedonia arguing that Greece broke that part of By Besar Likmeta About half of this sum though the case against was raised in the interna- changed its flag and its constitution, the accord when it objected to Skopje’s in Tirana officials who were direct- and both countries committed to con- NATO invitation. In addition, Skopje tional market as syndicat- ly involved in the road tinuing negotiations on the ‘name’ asks the court to order Greece to do all ed commercial loans. tender is clear cut, estab- issue under UN auspices. For its part, the necessary steps to fulfill its obliga- he investigation Albania will need to lishing the minister’s Greece pledged that it would not stop tions form the accord. over the misuse of invest another 250 mil- legal responsibility is Tpublic funds and lion to complete the proj- abuse of power in the ect, due to be finalized in more complex. He is still Croatia ‘Cancels Christmas’ construction of the the summer of 2009. under investigation offi- Albania-Kosovo highway Prosecutor-General Ina cially and his fate has not BALKAN INSIGHT, ZAGREB will in the coming days Rama has been probing been decided yet. roatia’s government has banned find its way to court. alleged irregularities in Although Basha has all Christmas and New Year Sources inside the Gen - the tender for the con- denied the charges and Creceptions and gifts in state insti- tutions and public companies as a step eral Prosecutor's office struction of the highway sought to characterise the to cutting costs. Croatia pledged to run have told Balkan Insight won by the American- investigation as a politi- a balanced budget in 2009, the first that official charges will Turkish consortium, cally-motivated attack by since it won independence in 1991, and be filed as early as next Bechtel-Enka. Sollaku, Rama, who suc- the government proposed a wage freeze week, in what experts have Former Prosecutor - ceeded Sollaku, has con- to reduce the impact of the global calculated to be damage to General Theodhori tinued to push ahead with financial crisis.

the state in the range of Sollaku began an investi- FoNet by Photo the probe. Although the ‘We forbid budgetary users to organise Croatia's giving Christmas a miss this year 230 million euro. gation last year into any Christmas and New Year receptions The evaluation was current parliament voted alleged irregularities sur- or buy presents. The government also cated to comparing the lavishness of vari- made using the average her in, her corruption rounding the awarding of requires companies in state ownership to ous parties and gifts in December. probes into senior offi- price of construction the tender. reduce expenses,’ Prime Minister Ivo Croatia has managed to avoid turbu- cials have annoyed many material and labour costs The investigation led to Sanader told a cabinet meeting. lence in its financial system since the in comparison to what a request by Sollaku that of her former backers, Holiday season parties thrown by the global financial crisis broke out but ana- Albania is paying to build parliament lift the immu- including Prime Minister public and corporate sector alike have lysts and officials have said the economy the road. The highway, nity of Foreign Minister Sali Berisha. become a norm in the past decade and will suffer a severe slowdown in 2009, par- which links the port of Lulzim Basha, who was at Meanwhile, while voic- many newspapers had special pages dedi- ticularly its lucrative tourist industry. Durres with Kosovo and the time of the tender, the ing support for the fight includes a six kilometer Minister of Transport. against corruption, long tunnel, is the coun- Basha’s immunity was Berisha has sought to Montenegro and Bosnia to Probe try’s biggest public works lifted by parliament at the draft a new law that regu- project in decades. Almost end of December last lates the office of the Deportations 89 per cent of Albania’s year. Prosecutor General. The capital expenditures dur- Apart from Basha, the BALKAN INSIGHT, PODGORICA law would strip prosecu- ing the 2008 fiscal year former Deputy Minister ontenegro’ s Foreign Minister tors of the right to be pro- have been spent for the of Transportation, Arma- says Podgorica and Bosnia will highway, - data published tected from a police arrest Mlaunch a joint probe into the case nd Teliti and the General by Ministry of Finance Director of Roads, Leila without a formal indict- of deported Bosniak refugees from suggests. Saraci, have been charged ment and limit their inde- Montenegro during the Bosnian war. For the nine months with abuse of power. Both pendence by allowing the Milan Rocen said he hoped that the FoNet by Photo ending on September 30, Montenegrin public prosecutor would officials have denied the Ministry of Justice to Montenegrin Foreign Minister Milan Rocen Albania had spent 328 charges against them. probe investigations. propose measures concerning the case of the deportations of Bosniaks (also has been held to account for these known as Bosnian Muslims) from crimes. Rocen said that the Montenegrin Montenegro by December. Around 150 government had set aside 5 million euro Bosniaks were arrested and deported for the return of Bosniak refugees from from Montenegro in 1992. Montenegrin the village of Bukovic near Pljevlja, police turned over at least 48 people to whose residents were abused, murdered the Bosnian Serb authorities, while more and driven from their homes in 1992 and than 80 Bosniaks were murdered. No one 1993. Croatia Sues Serbia – Serbia Sues Back

BALKAN INSIGHT, BELGRADE erbia’s Foreign Minister says Belgrade will file a countersuit Sagainst Croatia for war crimes after the International Court of Justice ruled it can hear Zagreb’s ‘Genocide case’. Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told Serbian media at a countersuit would be filed before the International Court of

Justice against Croatia for alleged war- FoNet by Photo crimes committed against ethnic Serbs in International Court of Justice 1995’s Operation Storm offensive. 1990s, which Serbia claimed the With its genocide suit against Serbia, International Court of Justice had no Croatia has failed to accept the “hand of jurisdiction over. Jeremic said that reconciliation” offered by Serbia to despite Serbia’s desire to keep up good “leave the past behind and focus on the relations with its neighbours, it would common European future” of both coun- also do its best to shed light on the ethnic tries, Jeremic said. The United Nations’ cleansing of 250,000 Serbs from Croatia’s highest court ruled that it can hear a territory in 1995. “Let the truth be con-

Photo by FoNet by Photo Croatian lawsuit filed against Serbia for firmed before the historical court and Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha inspecting the highway contruction genocide during the war in the early court of justice,” Jeremic said. 0p-Ed • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 13

Debate Kosovo’s Son-in-Law Homosexuality in Kosovo Nice Guys in a

omosexuality remains a many traditional societies, a pat- human being on three levels: taboo issue in Kosovo’s tern Kosovo fits very well, in this first, respect for each person Hstill-traditional society. regard. regardless of their sexual orien- Badass World Although the constitution of “The rights of the gay and les- tation, second, legal implementa- Kosovo and all applicable laws bian community are protected by tion of documents which ensure guarantee the rights and free- the Constitution. What is impor- the respect of these rights, and doms of individuals, the gay and tant to stress in this aspect is the third, protection. lesbian communities in Kosovo freedom to marry among this “Kosovo is a very male-domi- By Casey Cooper Johnson are still facing discrimination community. Kosovo’s nated society. Yet, we have to and intolerance from some in Constitution doesn’t explicitly divide religious and national cul- their society. prohibit nor grant the right to ture. Certain Muslim communi- BIRN’s leading current-affairs same sex marriage,” said ties in Asia and the Middle East o you ever get the feeling you’re being used? Maybe TV show hosted a debate to dis- Jashari. are very tolerant toward gays and by someone more powerful than you? I start to get cuss this taboo issue, which is The principle of protecting the lesbians. The national culture in Dthat bittersweet feeling that such is the case with seen by Kosovo’s often-traditional rights of gays and lesbians in the Kosovo sets the standard of Kosovo. A small country being used and abused. society as a mental disorder constitution is a feature of many accepting or not accepting this A couple of years ago, a brigade of Romanian policemen shot rather than a normal, though dif- Western democracies. Yet skepti- community,” said Kuqi. ferent, emotional relationship. cism exists as to whether Kosovo On the other hand, a long time and killed two protesters on the streets of Prishtina, and were The debate, anchored by Jeta should be categorized with them ago Kosovars were singing songs allowed to fly off into the great blue sky we call freedom. A cou- Xharra, hosted a discussion panel in terms of gay and lesbians for the so called ‘dylbera,’ or ple of weeks ago, an Israeli lung trader and a Turkish liver smug- consisting of: rights. handsome males, and stories are gler both left the country, smiling, as a major organ-trafficking Gazmend Kuqi, a sociologist “The culture, rather than the told of Ali Pashe Tepelena, a his- scandal blew wide open in Kosovo. Now I hear that we are being and a writer on gays and lesbian constitution, has moral sover- torical figure supposed to have “smart” bombed, not by militant Albanians, not by Al Qaeda ter- issues, eignty over our citizens. There is rorists, but by German spies! What!? Is this Germany’s idea of Habit Hajredini, representative general consent that Kosovars capacity building in Kosovo for accession to the EU? Hey don’t of the Prime Minister’s Office are resistant to this new trend “The national culture in Kosovo let those guys escape. I want to get at them myself. I have my Veton Elshani, spokesman for and they are not part of the sets the standard of accepting the Kosovo Police Service ‘developed and modern’ move- ways of making them sing like birds. Arber Nuhiu, from the ment of other states. Yet, certain or not accepting the gay Meanwhile, we are selling off our valuable state factories to “Elysium” human rights organi- groups all over Europe are very community.” private investors like the Israelis that own Feronikel. What is to zation, which also works with the much against gay and lesbians stop them from totally making an environmental cesspool of pol- gay and lesbian community, communities in their own coun- lution for their neighbors to breathe and drink from? What the Jetish Jashari, a legal expert tries,” said Kuqi. Gazmend Kuqi, sociologist hell, it’s not their land they would be desecrating. who worked on Kosovo’s Sarah Maliqi from YIHR I see it all so clearly now. For too long, Kosovo has accepted its Constitution and reported that the organizations’ position of taking it from the behind by just about everyone. And Sarah Maliqi, from the Youth activities prompted the suspen- had homosexual attractions. I think I know why. It’s that “kick me” sign we all walk around Initiative for Human Rights sion of a Kosovo Police Service In another sense, the many tra- A documentary film, produced spokesman, Refki Morina, after ditional cafes in Kosovar neigh- with on our backs, here. Kosovars are too nice…too naïve. by Crossing Bridges Productions two gays were badly beaten by borhoods where ‘strong’ Kosovar Especially our democratically elected leaders. Of course, they and entitled “Beyond the police officers simply because males gather to have Russian tea are too busy with other matters to stand up for our rights. But I Rainbow,” was shown in the they were gay. and play cards, while their wives think it’s time Kosovo became a bit more like a badass - you know beginning of the show. The film “With all the respect for tradi- stay at home cleaning and wash- - like Dirty Harry. included interviews with gays tion and moral values, we cannot ing, somehow contradict the very You don’t see the world toying with Serbia like this. They and lesbians whose faces were negate the existence of these radical opposition toward gay- waged tyrannical wars and committed state sponsored genocide, not shown for the sake of their kind of people,” said Maliqi. ness. but still, the UN and EU are negotiating with them about how safety. According to her, when police- “Homosexual interactions are many points of interest they want to change on the already The debate in the studio kicked men caught a parent beating his present in every society. At a time off when Habit Hajredini elabo- daughter, the response came that when a woman’s position was at accepted Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo. Why? Because Serbia is a rated on the use of offensive “I am beating my own daughter home and she never got out, it is badass. terms to describe gays and les- and I have the legal right to do normal that sexual instinct found And as soon as Kosovo starts showing that it, too, can be a bians in Kosovo. that,” adding that this is the way its way, and therefore we had badass, only then will we start to be treated as partners. I know “The purpose of such terms is people interpret their culture. homosexual intercourse,” said this may sound a bit extremist, but it’s not. As much as I disdain to alienate and to discriminate For Nuhiu, the Kosovo Police Kuqi, adding that everything Prime Minister Thaci and President Sejdiu as inept and power- against this category of people. Force must do more to promote related to songs for ‘handsome hungry politicians, I have to hand it to them for standing up to Kosovo’s Constitution has a sepa- the idea of protection of gays and guys’ are a representation of a the UN and EU about the Six-Point Plan. Then we all (all 7,000 or rate charter for citizens’ sexual lesbians. subculture. 30,000 of us) took to the streets to walk around and chant about orientation. In principle, the “The more a gay or a lesbian On the other hand, Nuhiu Constitution refers to this com- becomes visible in terms of sexu- pointed out that when talking sovereignty and territorial integrity. My other hand goes to that munity as gays and lesbians,” al orientation in their communi- about gays and lesbians, the anti-terrorism police team that caught the Three Fat Germans said Hajredini. ty, they will be attacked by the scope of the debate should not be before they could fly away from us, leaving us with our thumbs in Nuhiu shed light on how gays community, at least once,” said limited to sexual intercourse. our mouths. Bravo! Make them sing! and lesbians wish to be called. Nuhiu. “If you keep talking about tol- Kosovo is too small and too precious to the people who live here “They want to be called gays For Kuqi, sexuality is one of erance toward gays and lesbians, to let it be plundered and blundered by the myriad of foreign and lesbians. They really would- the core values of morality. it is an indication that you are interests who thrive on innocent little bunny-rabbit nations with n’t like to be called even homosex- “Many Kosovar men who have very homophobic. Tolerance is a severe lack of law enforcement. If Kosovo wants to become the uals. The latter is a medical, sci- been living in the States and one step above hate, displaying world’s dumping ground, then just sit back and relax, because entific term which brings up a Western Europe want to marry a that we are still at the levels of come, they will. Kosovo will be the “Field of Dreams” for all prejudice, as for mentally dis- virgin. They cannot escape their homophobes. Gays or lesbians abled persons,” added Nuhiu. traditions and morals.” don’t hang with each other sim- those corporations and criminals who could not get away with The tendency not to accept Hajredini said that his office ply for having sex; there are a lot their dirty business anywhere else but here. But if Kosovo cares them, to alienate them from soci- did a study on discrimination in of emotional links and ties in for itself, then some things have to change. Let Europeans bomb ety and to look at them as mental- public opinion, according to their relationships,” said Nuhiu, European offices elsewhere in Europe. Not in our country. Not ly disabled, is a characteristic of which there is more discrimina- adding that all the hate in the on our watch. Let the Iranians bury their toxic waste in their tion on the basis of gender and community is because of sexual own backyard. No more toxic trucks allowed through these bor- ethnicity, whereas only 0.6 per intercourse. ders! Let the Turks sell their own body parts in their own coun- “The fact that none of the gays cent of the respondents evinced “It is not a sin to love a person, try. Would the Israelis be able to pollute their tiny, threatened discrimination based on sexual whoever he is.” and lesbians in this country were nation as they pollute ours? No way! Because their leaders and orientation. On the other hand, Kuqi assert- ever brave enough to come and “The fact that none of the gays ed that values systems change countrymen are badass. openly apply for a job in state and lesbians in this country were from one person to another, Yes, my fellow Kosovars. Stand up straight. Take that “kick ever brave enough to come and meaning that many people would- me” sign off your backs. Stop selling yourselves short. It is far institutions reveals the real situa- openly apply for a job in state n’t understand same-sex love. better to be a badass than to be an easy piece of ass. tion in the country.” institutions reveals the real situa- “Our society is not yet ready to tion in the country,” said Nuhiu, accept marriages between per- Merry Thanksgiving and a Happy Flag Day! adding that the government is sons of the same sex,” said Arber Nuhiu, Human Rights Activist responsible for respecting the Hajredini. 14 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 timeout Prishtina Flag Day Celebrations

Akbar Kthjellu LIVE Prishtina’s craziest basement venue offers you a special night with extra special turntable mixes to celebrate Flag Day. Akbar’s hyper bar staff will mix open air Party any drink to your liking and give you a friendly glance in exchange for your presence. Join this upbeat Beat the cold with a huge line up of artists environment that night and get your dance on. performing live at Prishtina’s Mother Teresa Square for Flag Day. Top Channel and Digitalb bring you artists Bojken Lako, Kthjellu, Mariza Ikonomi, Qelbanix, the Libohova sisters and many more. This event will be transmitted live on MyMusic.

Illyrian Room

Come and enjoy a mingle-filled evening with well dressed individuals, trendy mixed drinks and a performance of Albanian musical classics by Jehona Sopi. Location: Hotel Iliria. Time: 9 pm – 3 am.

Hotel Garden The ball of the year is at Hotel Garden with singer Labinot Tahiri (Labi) on Thursday November 27, 2008. A fancy hall, fancy wardrobes and a not so fancy but Flirt Lounge wild dance floor awaits you, as traditional Albanian dance meets tallava spirit. Don’t forget your dancing Spray Club Flirt Lounge promises extraordinary surprises to shoes. Location: Fushë Kosovë, celebrate Flag Day. Dress to impress and be pre- past Diskoteka Amortizerat. Reservations only: pared to get your flirt on as the residents of Prishtina gather at this partylicious venue to 044 556 054 Pascal Feos show off some Albanian pride and jam to the hits Ticket price: 10 euro that get all us worthy party-seekers moving. minimal/techno/electro

Next Level presents Pascal Feos (Frankfurt, Germany) at Spray Club, filling your ears with the most fashionable electro tunes cur- rently known to planet Earth. Warm up: Lika, Naka. After hours: Vegim. Time: 10 pm – 6 am Ticket price: 5 euro

Lobby Restaurant Shega A’Mula and ArifShega A’Mula Muharremi NATIONAL GALLERY & Lounge Enjoy a relaxing evening with splendid food and Exhibition “Scanderbeg by flavourful wine as you are immersed into a melodic European artists” atmosphere created by Guitarist Nazi. Location: Rr. Agim Ramadani, Bregu Diellit. Time: 8 pm – 1 am. Reservations only: 044 600 604. Prepared by: fun & puzzle • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 15

Easy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Down

1: Wild cats 14 15 16 2: Ticked off 58 3: Salon colorings 17 18 19 4: Nerve often affected by 61 98 4 disk problems 5: Turns aside 20 21 22 98 6: Jaunty rhythms 7: Segments of history 23 24 2351 8: Furry friend 9: Deuce topper 6325 26 27 28 29 30 10: Deeply absorbed 11: Fine food freaks 31 32 33 34 35 12: Where cookies might 9625 crumble 13: Repairs the outfield 36 37 38 39 64 18: Like the fabled piper 22: Proved to be human 40 41 42 26: Like some disposi- 54972 tions 2543 44 45 46 27: Pete Rose had 4,256 of them 47 48 49 50 51 28: Pindar product 29: Gunk Medium 30: Antsy 52 53 54 55 31: Give up 32: Owl's utterance 56 57 58 33: Transfer from one 679 carrier to another, as 59 60 61 freight 13 48 34: Surround 62 63 64 37: Lip ___ (emulates 37 Milli Vanilli) 38: Mai ___ 45 9 Across 23: Sonnet sections 45: Groaner 42: Hung in there 24: LP measure 47: Gigantic 'Arabian Nights' 44: Friars Club events 25: Passports, e.g (abbr.) flyer 45: Appease 89 71 1: Racetrack stops 26: Deficiency 46: Golden Rule preposi- 5: Emulated Endymion 48: Common balloon ballast 31: Stylish tion 10: Qualities of the conceited 52: Quite an impact 391 34: Tour honcho 48: Cube or sphere, e.g. 14: Kind of acid 55: Pensive piano piece 35: Silent sayso 49: 'Well done!' 15: Human resources 56: Colored eye part 36: Many, many moons 50: Chips in a chip 36employee 57: Make improvements to 37: Pinched pennies 51: They honk and hiss 16: De ___ (from the begin- 39: German shepherd, for 59: Fender flaw 52: Fries, often 46 98 ning) one 60: Letter flourish 53: Mouse, to an owl 17: Influence unfairly 40: Morse code component 61: Holiday nights 21 7 19: Regretted 41: Tall stories 62: Spots 54: Door clasp 20: Disgraces 42: Get a glimpse of 63: Rice field 55: Geek's cousin 21: Longs (for) 43: It goes on and on 64: Medicinal amount 58: ___ culpa

Hard Embassies and Liaison Offices in Prishtina American Danish Italian Saudia Arabian Address: “Nazim Hikmet” no. 30 Address: “Nene Teresa” no. 2 Address: “Azem Jashanica” no.5 Address: Dardania SU 7, building 2, 791 Arbëria/Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina 10000 Prishtina Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina #1 Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 516 Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 925 10000 Prishtina Dutch Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 203 93 7 Austrian Address:” Xhemal Berisha” no. 12 Japanese Address: “Ahmet Krasniqi” no. 22 Velania, 10000 Prishtina Address: “Rexhep Malaj” no. 43 Slovenian Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 224 61 469 10000 Prishtina Address: “Anton Ceta” no. 6 Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 284 Finnish Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 10000 Prishtina Address: “Eduard Lir” no. 50 Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 886 436Belgian Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Address: “Taslixhe” I, 23 A Luxemburg Phone: +381 (0) 38 223 775 Swedish 10000 Pristina Address: “Metush Krasniqi” no. 14 45 French Address: “Ekrem Rexha” no. 6 Phone: +381 (0) 38 734 734 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Address: “Ismail Qemajli” no. 67 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 787 23 8 British Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 245 795 Address: “Ismail Qemajli” no. 6 Phone: +381 (0) 38 22 45 88 00 Malaysian Swiss Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 25 7 Greek Address: “Bedri Shala” no. 48 Address: “Adrian Krasniqi” no. 11 Prishtina Address: “Ismail Qemajli” no. 68 10000 Prishtina 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 700 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 467 Phone: +381 (0) 38 248 088 598 Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 013 Bulgarian 842 Address: “Ismail Qemajli” no. 12 German Norwegian Turkish Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Adress: “Azem Jashanica” no. 17 Address: “Sejdi Kryeziu” no. 6 Address: “Ismail Qemajli” no. 59 Created by sudokunine.com Prishtina Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina 10000 Prishtina Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 038 245 540 Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 500 Phone: +381 (0) 38 232 111 00 Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 044 () S O G E T P E L S S T I P Easy Medium Hard

O V O N R E R I H C I R U

426837951 213846957

D E U R E T A L U P I N A M 936874125

157692834 135649872 S N R A E Y S T N I A T T A 746519832

M P R S T E T S E S

798152364 895237146

E G A T R O H S S D I 842513697

879316245 432791568 D O N E D I U G C I H C 263158749

G O D D E T N I T S N O E

561294738 589623714 Y P S E S N R A Y T O D 714369582

N U P Y T I N R E T E 243578196 167458293 598427316

G A B D N A S C O R

Solution Solution 982463517 358974621 E N R U T C O N H S A L P S 421786953

(reversed)

E T A R O I L E M A S I R I 617985423 971362485 689235471

S E V E F I R E S T N E D

354721689 624185379 E S O D Y D D A P S E Y E 375941268 16 • Nov 27 - Dec 11, 2008 marketing